• China to host trilateral talks with Iran and Russia on nuclear issues.
• The meeting comes amid increased US pressure and sanctions against Iran.
• Discussions will center on compliance with nuclear agreements and potential sanctions lifting.
• Iran continues to deny intentions to develop nuclear weapons despite uranium enrichment.

On Friday, Beijing will play host to trilateral talks between Iran, China, and Russia regarding Iran's nuclear program, amidst escalating tensions resulting from US sanctions and pressure. The meeting, led by China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, along with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, aims to address "developments related to the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions," as per Channel News Asia.

These discussions occur in the context of Iran's ongoing uranium enrichment activities, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has monitored closely. Reports indicate that Iran has accelerated its enrichment process, reaching levels of up to 60% purity, which is perilously close to the weapons-grade threshold of approximately 90%. The UN has called for increased scrutiny of Iran's compliance with its nuclear commitments following the United States' withdrawal from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, established during President Obama's administration.

Iran has refuted any intentions to develop nuclear weaponry, yet concerns remain salient among Western nations. Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have firmly stated that direct negotiations will not occur while sanctions persist. Pezeshkian recently affirmed, "We will not bow in humiliation to anyone," reflecting Tehran's defiance against US demands.

China's Foreign Ministry has advocated for a "diplomatic resolution" to the escalating situation, emphasizing the importance of avoiding confrontation. Speaking ahead of the talks, spokesperson Mao Ning remarked, "All parties should maintain calm and restraint to avoid escalating the Iran nuclear situation." She underscored China's commitment to fostering dialogue and increasing mutual trust among the involved nations. The Chinese proposal for enhanced coordination aims to revitalize negotiations that have stagnated since the US's withdrawal and reinstatement of the 'maximum pressure' sanctions policy under President Trump.

In a related development, Trump sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging for negotiations while simultaneously warning of potential military action should Iran continue its nuclear advancements. As these discussions unfold, the international community remains watchful, with pressure mounting for a comprehensive solution to the ongoing nuclear dilemma in the region. For continuous updates, visit Newsweek.

While efforts to reformulate the genesis of the 2015 nuclear deal have yet to bear fruit, these trilateral talks signify a crucial step toward addressing international concerns over Iran's nuclear aspirations.